Stainless Blind Flange
A blind flange is a type of flange used to close the ends of piping systems or the openings of pressure vessels.
It functions like a plug or stopper and is used to terminate a piping system. A blind flange is essentially a flange without a hub or drilled center. Blind flanges have the same face thickness, matching face type, and similar bolting pattern as other flanges. They can also be used to close an opening on a pressure vessel. Since they are bolted, blind flanges provide easy access to the interior of a tank or pipe, unlike welded caps.
Its function is similar to a pipe cap, but a blind flange is a removable component, making replacement and maintenance easier.
Valves can be installed far from the work site, even kilometers away, so a blind flange allows fluid flow to be stopped much closer to the point of work.
Pipeline constructors include a blind flange at the end of a pipeline. This allows the pipeline to maintain necessary continuity or to accommodate future expansion.
WHAT IS A BLIND FLANGE USED FOR?
After understanding what a blind flange is, the next important question is its purpose.
They are generally used to test the flow of gas or liquid from a pipe or vessel. These flanges also provide easy access to the pipe when work is required inside the line. They are often used in high-pressure applications. Their main function is to completely isolate the production environment.
Without a blind flange, maintenance on a pipeline would be impossible unless a previously installed valve is closed, which could affect a pipeline stretching for kilometers.
They can also be used to close an opening on a pressure vessel.
Blind flanges are also useful for repairs on pipelines further upstream. During pipeline construction, they can be placed at the end of a pipe, allowing the pipeline to be extended or continued simply by adding the next flange.
Without a blind flange, ongoing maintenance on a pipeline would be impossible unless a previously installed valve, potentially affecting kilometers of piping, is closed.
APPLICATION AREAS
Blind flanges are widely used in petrochemicals, pipeline engineering, utilities, and water works. They are often applied in high-pressure applications.
End-of-line valves that function to close a line under pressure should be sealed with a blind flange to prevent any type of leakage.
Blind flanges are useful for making repairs on pipelines further downstream. In fact, during pipeline construction, a blind flange can be placed at the end of a pipe, allowing the line to be extended or continued by simply adding the next flange.
Blind flanges offer many advantages. They are a cost-effective way to isolate a pipe during maintenance, saving both time and money.
Their dimensions vary depending on the intended application.
When determining the size of a flange, the system pressure, system temperature, flange material, and pipe diameter must all be considered.
INSTALLATION
When a blind flange is used to close the end of a pipe, a gasket is placed between the flange and the pipe face. They can be installed by welding to the pipe or using a neck, allowing the pipeline to be terminated at the desired location.